Tulane University has released its essay prompts for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. So what are the questions that applicants to the Tulane University Class of 2026 will be asked to answer? Tulane, a university with a history of asking long essay prompts on its application, asks applicants to respond to two 800-word essays. That’s right. 800 words for each essay! It’s indeed one of the longest admissions supplements — if not the longest — among any highly selective university in America.

The first Tulane essay prompt reads, “Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University.” The essay is optional, but loyal readers of our college admissions blog know all too well that “optional” means diddly squat in elite college admissions. If test scores are optional, does that mean one shouldn’t submit test scores? Of course one should! When an admissions essay is optional, it means you can apply without writing it, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting in. So write the 800-word essay which you’ll recognize is a Why College essay.

The second Tulane essay prompt reads, “Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here.” This second essay is also optional, but don’t write this essay at your peril as well. It too is an 800-word essay.

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